Supply chain integration: the role of logistics service providers

摘要

Purpose - Considering the importance of supply chain integration (SCI) in literature and thernincreasing outsourcing of logistics, this paper aims to study the role of logistics service providersrn(LSPs) in supporting SCI and clients' performance.rnDesign/methodology/approach - This research is based on a two-step approach: a literaturernreview on supply chain integration (SCI) and performance regarding how LSPs are taken into account;rnand an analysis of web sites of LSPs concerning how they communicate their role and whether theyrnthemselves consider they have a role in improving the SCI and performance of their clients. Results arernthen discussed in view of some major works on third party logistics.rnFindings - Some surprising conclusions are drawn. Among the analysed articles very few take LSPsrninto consideration. The web site analysis shows LSPs varying in their communication. Some do notrnconsider SCI as part of their job, others balance between being pure "resource providers" and takingrnthe riskier role of "supply chain designers". The analysis of the roles LSPs can play in supply chainsrnenriches the understanding of the SCI phenomenon.rnResearch limitations/implications - In this paper SCI performance papers are analysed. Arnreview of papers on LSPs could be another relevant starting point. The web site analysis concernsrnLSPs' communication. Further research could complement with the shippers' perspectives.rnPractical implications - Results suggest different dimensions to structure LSPs' strategies vis-a-visrnclients' SCI and performance.rnOriginality/value - The main contributions of this paper are questioning and analysing what rolernLSPs play in SCI and performance, and expanding the framework for SCI studies.